Dr Sim urges community leaders to instil local values in Sarawak's youth
(From fourth left) Lau, Dr Sim and Hieng Wuong officiate at the event.
SIBU (June 9): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian wants community leaders to instil local values and culture in Sarawak's younger generation towards nation-building.
The Local Government and Housing Minister expressed his worries about the implementation of the state's free education policy starting next year, particularly for students pursuing their studies at Australian-based Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
'Between 3,000 and 5,000 Sarawak students will receive free education at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and Swinburne next year because we want high education standards, particularly Australian education.
'I am more worried for Swinburne because I am not sure if we are going to teach our students Australian education with Sarawak values.
'It is very important; otherwise, we will never teach Sarawak values to those (who will be) serving Sarawak,' he said when officiating the Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association 20th anniversary celebration and 11th committee installation here last night.
Dr Sim also expressed concern that students might migrate to Australia, enticed by well-paying jobs after their graduation, as their degrees are recognised by the country.
'It would be like we are preparing 5,000 talents every year for migration.
'This is why it is important for us, community leaders at the forefront of Sarawak government, to teach them local values.
'It is similarly impoprtant for the people to maintain unity, stability and working together for shared prosperity, especially as Sarawak's economy is expected to continue flourishing in 2030,' he added.
Meanwhile, Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau was elected president of the association for the 2025-2026 term, with Pemanca Datuk Jason Tai, Pemanca Liong Khing Hee, Kapitan Fung Tat Shen, Penghulu Lau Hieng Wuong and Kapitan Ting Hua Chuan as vice presidents.
Kapitan Sim Tang Fei became secretary, joined by Penghulu Lim Kuah Liew as assistant secretary. Penghulu Yong Kin Sung took on the role of treasurer, assisted by Penghulu Tiew Siik Nieng.
Filling other key positions were Kapitan Chew Hoo Kiong (welfare officer), Kapitan Wong Chiew Sieng (assistant welfare officer), Kapitan Low Muong Ing (general affairs officer), Kapitan Lau Sei Kwang (assistant general affairs officer), Kapitan So Teck Kee (cultural officer) and Penghulu Kong Sien Min (assistant cultural officer).
The committee included Kapitan Ling Hua Wee, Kapitan Chua Kim Seng, Kapitan Wong Jont Kiong, Penghulu Wong Ung, Kapitan Connie Loh and Kapitan Peter Lau were the committee members.
Among those present were Dr Sim's wife Datin Amar Enn Ong and Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
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